Dating trends in the year ahead

27 Jan

What’s hot?

Conscious dating: look beyond physical attraction to use dating to learn about yourself (who you are, what you need, and your behaviour patterns in the process)
- 84% of singles prefer casual dates over wine and dines. First dates are seen as less high-pressure first impressions, and more as opportunities to meet someone new.
- 77% say they like learning about new people, and 53% say they find dating helpful to learn how to be their best self too.
- Bottom line: This highlights a more honest, introspective approach to building relationship over time.
Mental health: put yourself first to be a better person and a better partner.
- 87% of singles say it’s important for both partners to prioritise mental health.
- 2/3 of singles want to improve their own mental health.
- 81% reported they engage in self-care at least monthly.
Sex positivity: explore what you want (and how you want it).
- 70% of singles report sex improves their mental and physical health, and 71% say they feel better afterward.
- 38% say they feel more sexually empowered this year.
- 18% say their sexual interests became more kinky.

Superficiality: give relationships more time to see if there is a spark.
- 49% have fallen in love with someone they weren’t initially attract to (up from 38% in the last decade).
- 48% of singles are more eager to meet a partner now than before.
  - 70% are open to finding a relationship today, with 35% saying they are keen to meet a partner in the next few months.
  - 80% of young singles indicate they want to find something that lasts.
Sex in the metaverse: not convinced you can get to know someone in the metaverse.
Political misalignment: you may want a partner who is politically aware, but not uncompromising.
- 58% say it’s now more important than ever to know a partner’s political views.
- 37% said that having too strong an opinion is a deal-breaker.
- 31% say that having no opinion is a deal-breaker.
- 24% would avoid a date who is not planning to vote.

Sources

Singles in America (2022) “What’s new in 2022”, https://www.singlesinamerica.com/#wd_ani-0

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